August 31, 2015

Jamie 

For Justin's birthday we finally made it out to The Stockyards for brunch! Suzie, do you remember we saw this on a Food Network show when you were here one time and we all thought, "Wow, we've gotta go there!" Yes, I had the chicken and waffles and wow, it was amazing. They add some red pepper heat to the syrup which brought it all together beautifully. Justin as a bit embarrassed to order the "dirty bird" but wow, it was amazing - a waffle, some roasted chicken, a filled-with-sausage sausage gravy and topped with an perfectly over-easy egg. Rich, rich, rich! And that's just how we started the celebrations! It was a great day all around.

 

Shannon
After being super happy with having a capsule wardrobe throughout the summer, I decided to do it all again for the fall. Of course I had a lot of blue, black and white in the mix but I was suprized at a fair amount of both orange and purple. Okay, maybe I was just surprized at the purple. All that being said, I'm more focused on being able to be comfortable than matching. I hope this season goes just as well as summer did!

Suzie

What a crazy-weather-weekend! We knew we were in for rain (finally) but had no idea that there was going to be a wind storm on top of it. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power. Luckily we were fine. We seem to be in a low impact area which rocked for us but many people were not as lucky, including Marina, Shannon. Luckily Gubby our Garden Gnome did just fine. I loved having the windows open and let the winds of change in and clear out old bad energy, I have to admit. I have always been a bit of a storm crow that way.

August 30, 2015

Jamie

This weekend Shannon and I made our yearly trip to The Ex! Usually we go on Sunday but this year, because of Justin's birthday, we headed out on Saturday and had a delightful time! Yes, we enjoyed hours at the cat show (of course!) and ate perogies with onion and dill sauce (yum!). We also, for the first time ever, came home with a one of those household wonders like the sham-wow or the slap-chopper that we hope will work wonders: reusable silicone lids that fit a variety of bowls, plates etc. and can even be put right on top of a lemon or watermelon! Suzie, this would definitely be something you would give a try! We'll let you know how they work :)

Shannon
It was a blast to go to the Ex this weekend with Jamie! So much fun to see all the sights, sounds, and eats, but especially to visit the cat show. There were so many different cats (as always), and I love how some categories have a huge array of kitties, like these 2 sweeties that were both in the shorthair kitten class. Lots of new memories, a few (practical! ? !) souvenirs and of course tons of pictures.

August 29, 2015

Shannon
After about a month unplanned hiatus from vlogging I came back in full effect with tons to say and share. I am so thankful for chatting through some of the sticky bits of how I was feeling about this on the recent episode of stART, it really helped me figure out why I was doing it and got me totally enthused about getting back to it!

Suzie

This week from hell is finally over! I still felt like crap yesterday from getting off caffeine and sleeping pills but we had gotten such beautiful produce, I couldn't let it just sit there. I made a light corn soup and a beef stir fry for dinner. I swear, food really does have healing properties and it was the first really "Suzie the Foodie" day in a long time. I loved it even though it was hard. Today the winds of change are blowing big time and I woke up without a migraine. I actually slept too. I made it!

August 28, 2015

Jamie

I've been so obsessed with the kittens and with working that I haven't spent much time in the garden. Imagine my delight when I popped out yesterday and found this rose bud! Remember that rose I planted this spring? For the longest time there wasn't even the smallest sign of life and I was so worried that it wouldn't take but here it is!

Shannon
I am sooooo excited that my Kindle arrived! I have enjoyed and loved my Kobo for 3 years, but I couldn't resist the recent sale on Kindles. And a HUGE bonus is that Jason's books are available via Kindle. I can't wait to dive into his titles, and it was super cool to look at the "About this Author" and to have Jason' bio pop up right on the screen. Amazing!

Suzie

Reg's D&D night was last night and we finished up the adventure. It was a blast. We also did groceries yesterday so it was a very long and challenging day. We had a lot of adventurers in and out of the game so I was the only one to play the entire time but it was clear everyone really enjoyed Reg's story and DMing. Pippi the Druid Gnome did her best to contribute and is probably my most klutzy D&D character of all time but she is adorable.

August 27, 2015

Jamie

It was so great to get back to choir last night. Suzie, I thought of you so much because we sang Hungry like the Wolf! It was really fun. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it. And making it extra cool was that someone I've been connected to virtually for a long time in lots of ways was there and I was able to give her a big hug for the first time!

Shannon
I am sooooo glad I finally finished Yes Please by Amy Poehler. It was an epic journey, I started last December and had to re-request it several times from the library and had to read at the computer and that didn't work so I finally read it on my phone. And it was worth it! Quite interesting, very honest, and lots of love for the world of live performance and of course, comedy. I barely knew any of the people she mentioned, but I'm sure anyone that watch SNL has a big one-up on me there. Another book read, another adventure had, now on to whatever comes next!

Suzie

It has been so very hard to get things done with this huge fatigue that just won't leave me alone. Today I decided I would rather play D&D than get groceries which we desperately need. You know, I think I made the right choice. Had one last epic battle with Babushka my Half Orc Pirate Fighter before the D&D world at our store. Some times you just need to take out your scimitars and get hacking, even if it's just in your imagination.

August 26, 2015

Jamie

There must have been some rain right before we woke up because the birds were out in full force! I heard a loud bird call and couldn't believe it when I looked outside and there was this spectacular blue jay. I'm pretty sure I saw another one in the tree. What a treat.

Shannon
I came downstairs all ready to do some work on the computer and what did I find... a totally cozy, sleeping Escher in my chair. I guess he got the memo that I was going into "Inactive Action Mode" today. So I read for a while instead and let him sleep. What a cutie pie.

August 25, 2015

Jamie

Each month this summer Justin and I have taken one day off to hang out and have some fun together. Yesterday we went for a big walk along the boardwalk in the beaches, further than we'd gone before. The lake looked stunning from this vantage point! Then we went to see Ant-man, which was a lot of fun and out for a bite at a little pub across from the Art Gallery. It was so great to just relax, hang out and be together.

Shannon
It was fun being kitty Auntie today! And pretty lax, as the kittens slept most of the time, lol. BUT! I made sure they got some exercise too, and was thrilled to get a pic of all three of them (Scout is behind Escher). And if there was any question.... Shibumi went of the paper ball first. Shibumi wins!!

August 24, 2015

Jamie

Sunday was such a beautiful day and super productive too! We had a fabulous art day, working on a class from Year of the Spark. There was definitely a lot of learning and exploring going on with this project! As there was when I shortened the curtains - yay!! This project has been on my list for months and, as you can see, I've only gotten a few done but that's a big start and I'm so proud of myself. I think they look quite wonderful.

Shannon
Had a blast this week at Art Day! I love looking back at the pics through the stages of a piece, because if I hadn't taken pics, I would never had remembered that at one point it looked like this! I'm sure to share more at stART this week.

Suzie

After hardly seeing Reg for a few days he came home from class and wanted to go to the PNE (our Ex) and see Colin James. I rested and was up in time to go out for the concert which was amazing. I really liked being at the exhibition later in the day when there were less people and it was cooler. At night there was amazing energy too. Much better for me than during the heat of the day.

August 22, 2015

Jamie 

Friday and Saturday were all about the cats being fixed and spayed. Their surgeries went really well. Everyone came home with a cone but Shibumi was the only one able to tolerate it! Scout's was out before we took 10 steps from the vet. Escher's was abandoned beside the bed he hid under. It's been a worrying time but everyone seems to be doing very, very well. And amazingly, Shibumi seems to have gotten even sweeter!

Shannon
Caught up on one of "the" touchstone films of the folks that like all things film and arts related, with Birdman. Pretty freaking amazing. I love all the recognizable things from the theatre world, and all the odd things as well. Well worth watching.

Suzie

It's been a little surreal to have three days totally on my own. I went for a long walk today and got some errands done. I couldn't help but be drawn to this "Deluxe Kitchen Set" at the store. I thought for a second if I would have played with it when I was a kid and heard a resounding, "NO!!!" in my head. It's fake. It's not real. What's the point? Now making REAL ice cream? I probably would have liked that.

August 21, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday was the final seminar of the summer series in the studio. I was really excited to share this content. It's so rooted in my performance background and I think quite unique and close to my heart. This series has been really meaningful to put together and share and has created a spine for my book writing. I'm so glad you both could be there. I've put my heart into this series and now that it's complete, I think it's time to slow down a bit and catch my breath before we're full on into September!

Shannon
Trying something new: Spotify! I think it's already been in Canada a year, so ... that's how long it takes me to hop onboard new tech-ish thing. I guess I'm not an early adopter. Anyhow, I was inspired to do this because it means I can listen to music via my PlayStation. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I picked out a "Hanging out and Relaxing" playlist (or station?) to listen to and the was a few artist I heard of and that was good enough for me. I hope this a nice and easy way to hear some new music.

PS - I'm sorry I've been so absent here! I kinda stopped taking pictures for a bit, I hope to get back to it and back to posting and sharing in the daily fun :)

Suzie

Reg has been getting some extra work which is AWESOME! He is very happy and I've had a couple of days of making jewellery which has been wonderful. I love these shells but wanted to spark them up with some colour so that's been fun. I've been adding homemade bails to the backs of rhinestones to make them wearable for jewellery. Lots of fun.

August 20, 2015

Jamie 

I've known for a long time that getting back to yoga would be a very, very good thing for me. This week I invested in GaiamTV and so far the classes have been really great. This is the kittens first introduction to yoga and clearly they are loving it so far. In particular they enjoyed doing the traditional "sitting under the downward dog" pose. I think it will become a favourite.

 

Suzie

What a day! I FINALLY got a real night's sleep (thanks to doubling my meds) and felt so much better. What a difference. I wasn't allowed to nap so I had caffeine and salt and kept myself busy. Made a lot of jewellery but was excited to go out to the markets and pick up ingredients for an Asian dish from a cookbook I bought. And it was good! It had pork and everything. Oh if only I could feel like this every day. Fingers crossed.

August 19, 2015

Jamie 

Clearly this little rug we bought at IKEA is a big hit with the kittens! It's so lovely to see Escher feeling more relaxed. I keep hoping that this week's trip to the vet won't set us back again too far!

 

Suzie

Really wasn't feeling well but I didn't want to stay in bed all day so I made two pairs of earrings. I was inspired by an image to do something a little more gypsy-like but I don't want to make a habit of it.

August 18, 2015

Jamie

When Shannon and I went to Ikea on Friday, I fell in love with these embroidery cushions. I bought them thinking they would be great for the cats to sit on but they're a bit too puffy. Luckily, they work beautifully both on the bed and on the couch and as a backdrop for the gorgeous Scout! He's starting to turn into quite a little lovebug!

August 17, 2015

Jamie

Despite the blistering heat, Justin and I walked over to Home Depot yesterday to explore more options for the rental reno - countertops, sinks, faucets, oh, my! It's awesome to feel like this work is really starting!

August 14, 2015

Suzie

Even thought it was crazy-hot and I had to rest three times so I could be rested enough to go to D&D I managed to make these earrings. I have a friend who may already be interested in buying them! I knew these components were a winner. It's like making 3D wearable collage.

August 13, 2015

Jamie

Yesterday I worked really hard on putting together a video about collage tools and materials. I experimented a bit with video too and feel really good about the direction I'm going. The one thing that's really too bad is that instead of this awesome picture of Scout I have over my shoulder, I had a folder up on the monitor with two videos, LOL! A lot less interesting but perhaps less distracting. I really hope that people enjoy the video - it's the longest one I've ever made!

Suzie

Before I knew well enough to stay home because it was too damn hot and I was coming down with the stomach flu I walked all the way to Dollarama to buy these organization units. I was having a hard time finding my new fabulous components and special pieces so I got these and they worked out perfectly! I didn't have much energy to do anything other than this but that is OK. It was very rewarding.

August 12, 2015

Jamie

Hey, what happened to my message? So weird! I believe I was sharing what a rainy day it was and how I got soaked on the way home from errands. The cats found it very entertaining, not me, the rain ;)

Suzie

Went to see Les Mis for the fourth time in my life and it was the best performance ever. I cried the whole time so today I think I am very dehydrated plus I seem to have the stomach flu so I am glad it waited a day for me to get sick so I could wear black sequins and polka dots to a fantastic night out.

August 11, 2015

Jamie

One of the highlights of yesterday was managing to sit beside Escher for a whole TV show. Not only that, moving gently in close enough to be touching him. And not only that, being able to pet him a few times and him purring! Wooot!! Of course, a moment later he sneezed, jumped up and left, looking at me like, "Look what you made me do!" Still, I'm counting it as progress.

Shannon
Inspired by Sparkles, I decided to make zippy chili with Hint 'o' Lime Tostidos. Even had some cilantro, cheese and sour cream! Turned out pretty well. Going that extra bit further made it so much more yummy!

August 10, 2015

Shannon
I had so much fun at Art Day this weekend playing with a technique Jamie shared from her class. I think I could get totally obsessive about this kind of collaging!

Suzie

I did it! I officially began making jewellery! I almost froze because I realized I was almost out of a component but I had enough to make two pairs of earrings and then Reg took me to Michaels and I got some headpins. I'm really excited that this journey for me has begun. It took a long time for me to see the value in "things" and creating "pretty things" in particular. When I first started jewellery I made amulets because they had to have purpose to have value. Now I see jewellery as wearable art. Art that I like and want to share. It is like poetry and a recipe at the same time. Repetition and components flavoured with colours and materials. So weird but I do believe that earrings matter.

August 8, 2015

Shannon
I've been working really hard to get the books I'm "currently" reading down. There are many I started months ago that have been hanging on and I wanted to finish them up! I don't mind reading many books at the same time, but I've realized that I only like to read one per genre at at time so before I start a new scifi book I am working to make sure I've finished one I'm in the middle of. With this in mind, I got 2 more books read. YAY!



Suzie

I have been busy doing and editing videos. Instead of wearing funny t-shirts that I have either designed or bought I tried to wear one of my more elegant shirts. I was going for a "Glamorous Kitchen" feel even though my kitchen is anything but glamourous. It's homey and I love it but I bought these pretty clothes and I want to wear them, damn it!

August 7, 2015

Jamie

I'm continuing to have a wonderful time at art school! Yesterday we spent some time on critiques in the morning, which was absolutely helpful and inspiring, and then spent the rest of the day creating papers that today we're going to work on collaging. I feel like I could spend weeks and weeks and weeks exploring what I've been learning - and I hope to!

Shannon
If I had been a moment earlier I would have gotten all three cats in this pic! And if I was a moment later it would just be Shibumi. It was a fun day to hang out with the cats and catch up on a few things, then watch the political debate. Fun times.

Suzie

Another totally psycho-busy day! This time with doing 3 unboxing videos. No time for wardrobe change either because then I was out of the house and going to D&D which was a blast but I'm looking forward to having zero plans on Friday. By the way, this sour lemon gum was even more sour than the package suggests. I've never had to spit anything out on camera before!!! Not sure that will make the cut.

August 6, 2015

Jamie 

Another great day at Art School! I can't believe it's half over already. It was a lot of fun to start creating our own papers for collaging with. Tomorrow we'll use them. I could spend weeks on each thing we've learned. I truly do love collage.

 

Suzie

Shannon was a total internet and tech rockstar on Wednesday! It was so awesome just catching and hanging out online with you Shannon and to help me get on Instagram too?! I just can't believe it. Thank you so much. I hope I remember how to use it now. :)

August 5, 2015

Jamie

All packed up and somewhere to go - art school! It was a great day though pretty exhausting. Still, I gotta take those orbs as a good sign!

Shannon
I am really enjoying being a part of Sparkles! And although I don't have a favourite poem, I do fave a favourite quote and it was fun to look back on it after all these years and realize I still feel 100% that it's the truth of pretty much everything.

Suzie

Today was a hard and busy day and hot and uncomfortable with zero photos taken. In honour of Jamie's first day of art collage, I share this sculpture I saw at VanDusen Gardens on the weekend.